The objective of this study is to compare in Chinese subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the efficacy and safety in this subject population of 50 mg once-weekly injections of etanercept versus placebo in subjects receiving methotrexate. This is a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel and placebo-controlled outpatient study. Approximately 150 subjects will participate in this study for about 18 weeks including a screening period up to 4 weeks, 12-week treatment period, and a 2-week follow-up period at approximately 25 sites.